JATO Dynamics Reports: Europeans Opt for Comfort, Safety, and Luxury for Their SUVs

AUBURN HILLS, MI - Feb. 23, 2006: Sports utility vehicles are poised to account for up to half of Europe's prestige car sales by offering drivers higher-than-ever levels of high-tech safety and "infotainment" equipment.

Figures compiled by automotive data specialist JATO Dynamics (http://www.jato.com) show a rapid rise in the number of SUV models boasting standard safety features such as electronic brake distribution, cornering brake control, and stability control.

At the same time, SUVs are acquiring all the traditional hallmarks of prestige cars, such as leather upholstery, cruise control and climate control.

Driver aids like satellite navigation and in-car entertainment options are now must-have optional extras for 4x4s.

JATO compared SUV sales and equipment levels in 2005 with those from the past five years. During that time, annual sales of 4x4s in Europe's five largest markets (France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and Spain) rose from 460,000 units to 750,000 units. This rise came mostly at the expense of traditional premium and luxury sedans and hatchbacks. Currently, 4x4s now make up 40% of the premium/luxury car market in Europe and are set to exceed 50% by 2010.

While not downplaying their products' off-road capabilities, manufacturers have raised standard equipment levels to counter past criticisms of unsatisfactory road handling and braking. For instance, ABS brakes were standard on virtually all SUVs in 2005, compared with only three quarters five years ago. Also, the number of 4x4s with electronic brake distribution rose from under 60% in 2001 to over 90% last year. Nearly 60% came with stability control (a 300% rise). Furthermore, in 2005, one in six SUVs was also fitted with cornering brake control (CBC).

When it comes to comfort, nine out of 10 SUV models offered air conditioning as standard, up from 75% in 2001. Also since 2001: Cruise control as a standard feature doubled to 45% of models in 2005, 70% more models now come with leather upholstery, and 84% more offer heated and electrically powered front seat.

Changes in optional extras on SUVs, also tracked by JATO, highlight the nearly complete shift in emphasis from away from 4x4's utilitarian origins.

Satellite navigation systems were second only to metallic paint in manufacturers' options lists last year. And while only 14% of SUVs offered a single CD player as an option in 2001, 30% now offer a multi disc auto-changer (21% provide one as standard).

Further evidence of the increasingly luxurious standard of SUVs is provided by JATO's data on options such as leather seats and cruise control. Availability of these items as options is rising quite slowly but that is because many more SUVs deliver them as standard equipment.

JATO Dynamics background

Founded in 1984, JATO provides the world's most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information on vehicle specifications, pricing, sales and registrations, news, and incentives. The company has representation in over 40 world markets, providing unique local market expertise. JATO's client base includes all of the world's major vehicle manufacturers, giving them the ability to react to short-term market movements, plan for long-term developments, and ultimately meet the needs of the consumer. The data gathered and analyzed by JATO has also been adapted for consumer use in motoring web portals such as Vehix.com, where customers can compare advantages and disadvantages of a specific vehicle models against others.